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If you’ve been wondering, “What does teething feel like?”, the short answer is: it’s usually a mix of gum soreness, pressure, and mild irritability for your baby. As new teeth push through the gums, babies may drool more, chew on anything they can reach, and seem fussier than usual. For most infants, teething is uncomfortable but temporary—and it doesn’t usually cause a high fever or serious illness.
Understanding how teething feels can help you tell the difference between regular developmental changes and symptoms that may need a doctor’s attention. In this guide, we’ll explain what teething is like for babies, how long discomfort lasts, what’s normal (and what isn’t), and how to help your child through it—backed by credible studies and pediatric dental expertise.
For babies, teething is a unique – and sometimes frustrating – sensation. As a tooth begins to erupt, it slowly pushes upward through the gums, creating pressure, swelling, and tenderness in the area. According to a study published in Pediatrics, the most commonly reported teething symptoms include increased drooling, gum rubbing, irritability, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Parents often notice their baby:
While teething is uncomfortable, it’s usually not severely painful, and the symptoms tend to come and go over a few days as each tooth emerges.
Teething gets blamed for a lot of baby discomfort, but not every symptom that shows up during this stage is actually caused by erupting teeth. In fact, research shows that some signs parents associate with teething are more likely due to unrelated illnesses or infections.
According to Seattle Children’s Hospital, actual teething symptoms are mainly localized to the mouth and gums, like drooling, chewing, and mild fussiness. High fevers, diarrhea, widespread rashes, or severe irritability are not considered typical teething symptoms.
Common issues mistaken for teething include:
It’s important to remember that teething typically causes mild discomfort, not whole-body illness. If your baby shows these more serious symptoms, contact your pediatrician to rule out other causes.
First, it’s important to clarify that true teething doesn’t usually cause a high fever. Some babies may have a slight rise in body temperature, often called a “teething fever”, but medical experts emphasize that it should remain below 100.4°F (38°C). Anything higher may signal an unrelated illness.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Dentistry for Children found that while teething was sometimes associated with mild temperature increases, there was no consistent link to clinically significant fever. When present, this mild warmth typically lasts only one to three days, usually peaking the day before and the day of tooth eruption.
If your child has a persistent fever or one that exceeds 100.4°F, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends contacting your pediatrician to rule out infections or other causes.
Quick takeaway for parents:
While every baby is different, most begin teething between 4 and 7 months, with the first tooth typically being one of the lower central incisors (American Dental Association). By the age of 3, most children will have their complete set of 20 primary teeth.
A typical eruption schedule looks like this:
In terms of discomfort, studies suggest that symptoms usually begin 3–5 days before a tooth emerges and last for a few days afterward. Not every tooth will cause the same level of fussiness—some may come in almost unnoticed, while others bring more gum tenderness and sleep disruption.
By tracking this timeline, parents can anticipate possible teething phases and prepare soothing strategies in advance.
While teething is a natural process, there are plenty of safe ways to make your baby more comfortable during this stage. Pediatric dentists and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend the following:
Every baby is different, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best. Always supervise your baby when they’re chewing on anything, and consult your pediatrician before trying over-the-counter remedies.
Because teething happens during a period of rapid growth and immune system development, it’s easy to blame every new symptom on those emerging teeth. But some signs point to other illnesses that need a doctor’s attention.
Contact your pediatrician if your baby shows any of the following:
Teething can cause fussiness and mild gum discomfort, but it should not make your baby seriously ill. When in doubt, it’s always safer to have your pediatrician check things out.
Teething usually feels like pressure and soreness in the gums as a tooth pushes through. Babies may drool, chew on objects, and be fussier than usual.
Most babies show symptoms for 3-5 days before a tooth erupts and a few days after. Some teeth cause little to no discomfort.
A mild temperature rise may last 1-3 days, usually peaking the day before and the day a tooth breaks through. Fevers above 100.4°F or lasting more than three days should be checked by a pediatrician.
No – medical experts agree that teething does not cause fevers above 100.4°F. High fevers often mean there’s another illness present (HealthyChildren.org).
Cold teething toys, gentle gum massages, extra cuddles, and safe, BPA-free teething rings can all help ease discomfort.
If your baby has a high fever, persistent diarrhea or vomiting, a widespread rash, or refuses to eat or drink, seek medical attention right away.
Teething is one of the first significant milestones in your baby’s oral development, and while it can bring a few sleepless nights, it’s also a sign they’re growing strong and healthy. By knowing what teething feels like, how long symptoms last, and when to call the doctor, you can help your little one stay comfortable and safe through every new tooth.
If you have concerns about your baby’s teeth, gums, or overall oral health, the team at Nova Dental Office is here to help. We provide gentle, family-focused dental care and can guide you through every stage of your child’s dental development, from teething to their first dental cleaning.
Schedule an appointment today to get professional advice, reassurance, and the tools you need to keep your child’s smile healthy from the very start.